Paul Leclair was a guest lecturer on legal ethics to undergraduates at St. John Fisher University.  The lecture was part of the “Law, Politics, and Society” course which studies how legal and political systems can elevate society.

“It’s important for students considering law as a career to study ethics and how it may apply to attorneys in a variety of circumstances,” remarked Leclair.  “I enjoyed the discussion on how we must defend not only the Constitution and our state laws, but also a personal ethical code when representing a client, and how sometimes attorneys fail.”

Leclair highlighted his own experiences in litigation and focused on a pro bono case involving prisoner’s rights as examples of the interplay between legal representation and ethics.  Instructor Jane Snyder also assigned the class to read a 1973 murder case involving lawyers withholding information.  A spirited discussion ensued about a criminal defendant and victims’ rights.

“The goal is for students to think how legal ethics impact multiple aspects of our society, including public safety and justice for all,” indicated Snyder, who has a law degree from Catholic University of America. She is also the experiential learning coordinator for the Department of Political Science and Legal Studies and has served as the Mock Trial and pre-law internships adviser at SJFU.

“I know Paul personally and he has always held himself to very high ethical standards while conducting his career.  I was happy he could share his insights and personal observations with my students,” reflected Snyder.

Learn more about Paul Leclair.